News Headlines... August 2010
To go straight to any of August's news click on the links below.
Serious Kidderminster Fire | Winner Visits Fire Service | Man Rescued in Droitwich | Lamp Post Made Safe | Man Has Lucky Escape | Construction Worker Rescued | Greenhouse Fire | Fire Investigation | Man Rescued from Mud | Chip pan Fire | New Rescue Boat Demonstration | Mobilised Four Times | Tree Fire | Stourport Fire | Kitchen Fire | Hereford New Rescue Boat | Alvechurch Fire
Update on Serious Factory Fire in Kidderminster
Monday 23 August, 2010
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to a serious fire at a factory unit in Kidderminster earlier today (Monday 23 August).
The initial call came through shortly before 8am reporting the fire at Hard Anodising Ltd, an electroplating and metal finishing company located on the Firs Industrial Estate in Stourport Road, Kidderminster.
Eight fire appliances attended, including two crews from Kidderminster, crews from Stourport, Droitwich, Bromsgrove and Upton as well as two from the West Midlands area. The EPU (Environmental Protection Unit) from Evesham, the CSU (Command Support Unit) from Malvern and USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) also attended.
On arrival, firefighters found a serious fire involving a number of vats and chemicals within the unit but managed to bring the fire under control by around 10.30am.
Two crews remain at the factory in the final stages of damping down with a final inspection due later this afternoon.
Station Manager Dave Williams said: "This was a very serious fire and it was fortunate that the large quantity of thick black smoke it produced was blowing away from other units on the industrial estate.
"Our local risk information was also key to how quickly this fire was brought under control. We have worked closely with Hard Anodising Ltd in recent times to prepare tactical information plans and this pre-planning and the support of the Environment Agency made a real difference, certainly helping to prevent chemicals or any fire water from entering the nearby Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal."
He confirmed that the Environment Agency have taken samples from the canal already and will continue to monitor the situation.
He added: "The company's emergency procedures also worked well, and there was a tanker on site very quickly to take away the bulk of the contaminated water."
Station Manager Williams also praised officers from West Mercia Police, saying that with the traffic controls they put in place, the disruption to neighbouring businesses was kept to an absolute minimum, with local roads being re-opened as soon as they could be.
Fire investigators are continuing to look at how the fire started but do not believe at this stage that there was anything suspicious.
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Designer of Winning Poster Visits Fire Service
Monday 23 August, 2010
A school boy from Worcester visited Worcester Fire Station today (Monday 23 August) after winning a competition organised by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Danny Cave, age 10, a Key Stage 2 pupil at Warndon Primary School, was chosen as the overall winner of the 'Design a Poster' competition, which aimed to promote greater fire safety awareness among children of all ages across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Runners up were Madeleine Brown from Claines Primary School in the Key Stage 1 category (4 – 7 year age group) and Lauren Lee from Nunnery Wood High School in the Key Stage 3 category (12 – 15 year age group).
The winning entry was selected by Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates at the recent Community Safety Day held at Worcester Racecourse in July, and Danny's prize included a visit for him and his family to Worcester Fire Station followed by lunch at Fire Service Headquarters.
His winning poster design, which was framed and presented to him during his visit, included some key fire safety messages as well as an eye-catching fire devil.
Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates said: "The 'Design a Poster' project is one of many initiatives we run to encourage young people of all ages to think about fire safety. The quality of the designs were impressive in every age category but Danny's stood out as it was so colourful and included slogans showing that he had thought about how to prevent a fire as well as the actions to take in the event of fire.
"It was a pleasure to meet Danny and his family today and we hope they all enjoyed their visit."
Danny Cave added: "We had a visit at our school last year but it wasn't as long as it should have been because there was a fire and the fire engine had to leave the playground quickly to go to it.
"I could remember what we'd been told though and that's how I designed the poster."
An enthusiastic Danny also explained how he had enjoyed the tour of the fire station and seeing all the equipment that firefighters use, and that there was a smoke alarm fitted at his home.
His Mum, Judy, said: "We're very proud of Danny for winning this competition and we've all enjoyed the visit to the fire station."
She confirmed that the framed poster would have pride of place at the family home in Warndon, Worcester, but that at Danny's request, it would not be in his bedroom as he was keen for everyone to be able to see it!
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Man Rescued from Droitwich Flat Fire
Monday 23 August, 2010
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service rescued a man in his 30s from a flat in Droitwich at the weekend.
The initial call came through shortly before 4pm on Saturday 21 August with reports that there was smoke coming from a flat at Charland Court, in the Westlands area of the town.
Firefighters from Droitwich were at the scene within minutes and believing the premises to occupied, they called for the second crew from Droitwich and an additional fire appliance from Worcester to attend.
Wearing breathing apparatus, Droitwich firefighters entered the property through a ground floor window and rescued a male who was suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken by ambulance to hospital.
Firefighters used positive pressure ventilation equipment to remove smoke from the building and the fire was brought under control by 4.45pm, although crews remained at the address for further damping down and fire investigation.
Group Manager Mick Cadman said: "The Droitwich crew were at the address in around four minutes and this, and their rapid assessment of the situation, certainly played a part in bringing the occupant of the flat to safety so quickly.
"He was suffering from severe smoke inhalation but we hope that the rapid medical attention he received will assist with a speedy recovery."
Initial investigations suggest the fire was accidental and that it may have been started by careless disposal of smoking material.
Police also attended the incident.
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Lamp Post Made Safe with Specialist Rescue Equipment
Monday 23 August, 2010
Firefighters assisting at a road traffic collision along Franche Road in Kidderminster last week helped stabilise a lamp post damaged during the incident by using specialist rescue equipment more usually used to support overturned vehicles.
The call about the collision was received at 10.45am on Monday 16 August and one fire appliance from Kidderminster attended, with crews helping to make safe the car which had been in collision with the base of the lamp post.
No one was injured as a result of the collision but two other vehicles nearby were damaged, as well as the lamp post.
The old-style concrete lamp post was leaning at a dangerous angle following the incident and so firefighters used a specialist piece of kit to stabilise the post while they waited for the Highways Agency to attend and remove it.
The StabFast equipment is more usually used to secure vehicles involved in collisions to ensure they stay in position while any occupants are rescued. The equipment, which works on a three stabiliser leg principle, is compact and easy to stow on the fire engine yet can be set up very quickly, helping to protect any casualties as well as those involved in the rescue operation.
Crew Manager Tony Wilks said: "Firefighters were concerned about the stability of the lamp post following the collision, and their use of the StabFast technology in these circumstances showed initiative.
"It was around an hour before the lamp post was taken down and so the surrounding area in Franche Road was certainly made safer in the meantime with this support in place."
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Man Has Lucky Escape in Droitwich House Fire
Friday 20 August, 2010
Firefighters say that a man is lucky to be alive following a serious fire at his house in Droitwich early yesterday morning (Thursday 19 August).
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called shortly after midnight to the three storey house in Old Coach Road following reports of a fire in the kitchen area. The owner of the property had started cooking and then had fallen asleep on his sofa, waking up later to find the cooker on fire and his house full of smoke.
Two fire appliances from Droitwich attended the incident and two firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the smoke-filled house, making the premises safe by isolating the electrics to the fire damaged kitchen. A Positive Pressure Ventilation fan was also used to help remove the smoke from the building.
The man, who had attempted to extinguish the fire, suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation and was checked at the scene by ambulance staff.
Station Manager Ian Jallands explained: "While the man was shocked at the extent of the smoke damage at his house following the fire, it may take a while longer for him to realise just what a lucky escape he has had.
"It was very fortunate that he woke up when he did as the dense smoke could have been lethal. At least a gutted kitchen and a smoke damaged house can be put right."
Station Manager Jallands confirmed that there were no smoke alarms in the house prior to the fire. Firefighters fitted smoke alarms on each floor in the escape route, before they left the address.
He added: "We hope this will prompt anyone without a working smoke alarm in their home to get one fitted today. No one ever expects to have a fire in their house, but this incident shows just how fast a fire can take hold. Smoke spreads through a house quickly and is a killer. Early warning can make the difference between escaping or dying."
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Construction Worker Rescued
Tuesday 17 August, 2010
On Tuesday 17, August 2010 at 12:41pm Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to rescue an injured construction worker from the building site for Worcester's new library.
Two appliances and the aerial ladder platform attended the incident. The rope rescue team from Malvern was also put on standby.
Station Manager Phil Russell said; "Rescues of this type can be complex with a building under partial construction and the injured man located on the second floor. The aerial ladder platform provided the quickest and safest option to bring the man to ground level - with the rope rescue team on standby should additional resources have proved necessary."
Fire fighters were able to rescue the injured man on a spine board which was lowered in the cage of the aerial ladder platform. The man was then handed over to ambulance personnel for treatment and transportation to hospital.
West Mercia Police also attended the scene and closed the area during the rescue.
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Greenhouse Fire
Tuesday 17 August, 2010
A greenhouse at nurseries at St Owen's Cross near Ross suffered substantial damage following a fire at the premises in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 17 August).
Two pumps from Ross, one from Whitchurch plus a water carrier from Ross attended the fire at Premier Plant Centre in Three Ashes Road following the alert at around 2.45am.
Six firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the fire and using two hose reel jets and thermal imaging equipment, the fire was brought under control by 4:20am. Positive pressure ventilation equipment was also used to help clear the smoke from the premises.
Station Manager Neil Lilwall said: "Thankfully no one was injured as a result of the fire and although around a third of the greenhouse and the stock inside was damaged, the prompt and effective actions of firefighters at the scene prevented the fire spreading any further."
He confirmed that initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault.
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Mill Street Fires Investigated
Tuesday 17 August, 2010
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are working alongside the police to investigate two fires in the Mill Street area of Leominster in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 17 August).
Firefighters were first called to Mill Street at 12:50am following reports of a car and garage fire near the level crossing. Two pumps from Leominster attended and using breathing apparatus, thermal imaging equipment and two high pressure hose reels, the fire was brought under control shortly before 1:40am.
A separate car fire in Paradise Court off Mill Street was also reported at around 1.20am this morning. One appliance from Kingsland attended and firefighters were able to extinguish the fire by around 2.35am. Two other cars were damaged during the incident.
Station Commander Phil Russell said: "We are working with the police to establish how these fires started and whether they are linked. Fortunately no one was hurt in either incident."
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Firefighters Rescue Man from Mud
Monday 16 August, 2010
A man in his 20s was rescued by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service at the weekend after being stuck chest-deep in mud for nearly an hour.
Firefighters were called at around 3.10pm on Saturday 14 August to reports that a man was stuck in the mud somewhere near a pond near The Snipes in Stourport-on-Severn. Appliances from Stourport and Kidderminster were quickly on the scene and located the man near to the fishery off Larford Lane.
They pulled him to safety using a general purpose line and a pulley system, and he was then taken by ambulance to Worcester Royal Hospital for medical checks.
Watch Manager Len Rees explained: "It wasn't clear from the initial report exactly where the man was stuck in the mud and it was very much down to the local knowledge of the firefighters attending that we were able to locate him so quickly.
"This was key to the rescue as he had been in the mud for 50 minutes or more and was starting to get very cold.
"Although he was pretty shaken by the whole experience, he was not injured in any way and his visit to hospital for observations was thankfully more of a precautionary measure."
Watch Manager Rees recommended that anyone noticing anyone in trouble in similar circumstances should stay near to the casualty if possible as this way they would be able to help guide the emergency services to the correct location and would also be on hand to offer reassurance to the person in trouble if needed.
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Chip Pan Fire in Redditch
Monday 16 August, 2010
A man was rescued from his home in Redditch at the weekend following a chip pan fire at the address.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire at the first floor maisonette in Exhall Close shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday 14 August and two appliances from Redditch and one from Bromsgrove attended.
Two firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the property and rescued the elderly occupant, who was given treatment at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Positive pressure ventilation equipment was also used to help clear the smoke from the premises and the fire was brought under control shortly after 11pm.
A spokesman for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service urged anyone using a chip pan to keep an eye on their cooking at all times and never to leave pans unattended. He also reminded people how important it is to have a smoke alarm fitted and to check on a weekly basis that it is working properly.
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Hereford demonstrates New Rescue Boat
Thursday 12 August, 2010
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have major rivers running through both counties and were at the forefront of both local and national flood rescue efforts in the summer of 2007.
Recently Fire Stations in Hereford, Evesham and Worcester took delivery of new and enhanced water rescue craft and towing facilities. On Monday 9th August Hereford Fire Station demonstrated their new equipment and rescue skills at the rowing club on the River Wye, Hereford in an exercise witnessed by local MP Jesse Norman, who also took part in the 'man over board' and tethered swim rescue.
Station Manager, Jon Butlin said; "In a typical year (depending on weather) across both counties, we are called to between 50-60 water rescues so, we are very much a Fire and Rescue Service."
After launching the new 4.4 metre work boat the crew from Hereford demonstrated a range of rescues including;
- Bank line rescue
- Tethered swim rescue from the bank
- Tethered swim rescue from the boat
- Boat rescue
- 'Man overboard!' demo
"Water rescue crews also play an active role alongside our Community Safety Team supporting school visits and various public events to ensure that people understand - and avoid, the dangers of open water, flood water and ice."
The Service's Community Safety Team were also on hand at the exercise with advice and leaflets about water and flood safety to members of the public who came to view the event.
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Whitchurch mobilised Four Times… in less than 24 hours
Friday 06 August, 2010
The busy period started at 3:28pm on Thursday 05, August 2010 when the crew was called to a hedge fire in Netherton. Then, at 7:28pm the crew was mobilised to Coppet Hill to reports of a fire in the open – on arrival this incident turned out to be a false alarm from controlled burning.
Later that evening at 9:24pm, a crew of six was called to a road traffic collision on the A40 (Ross to Whitchurch road). Arriving at the scene no persons were trapped however, an ambulance was required for 1 casualty to be conveyed to hospital whilst firefighters made the vehicle safe and police managed traffic.
This morning (10:00am Friday 06, August 2010) Whitchurch were once again called out to a fire in Ganarew on the border with Monmouth. This time the fire involved a large ash tree with a trunk measuring approximately 5-feet in diameter. A thermal imaging camera was used to identify hotspots in the trunk and 2 hose-reels were used to cool the wood and extinguish the fire.
Watch Manager Bryan Thornett said; "Whilst we are not normally this busy in Whitchurch, the last 24 hours is a reminder that Whitchurch Fire Station needs more individuals who live or work in the Whitchurch area to become on call firefighters."
"Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service employs both men and women from a variety of backgrounds to carry out this vital role across the Service. So, if anyone is interested in finding out more – either as an employer releasing staff or, an individual who would like to help others, please contact Whitchurch Fire Station or call 01905 368 343 (office hours).
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Tree Fire in Malvern
Friday 06 August, 2010
At 20:41hrs on Thursday, August 05, 2010 firefighters from Malvern were called to reports of a tree fire in Gloucester Close Malvern. Arriving at the scene the crew found two, 40-foot conifers and a large amount of garden rubbish well alight.
Firefighters used hose reels and drag hooks to bring the fire under control.
Investigations indicate the fire to be suspicious in nature and West Mercia Police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area that evening. If anyone has information about this fire that may be useful to the Police they can call Malvern Police Station on T: 0300 333 3000 quoting reference 218S/060810 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Stourport Fire
Thursday 05 August, 2010
In the early hours of Thursday 05, August 2010 at 00:25am Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of trees on fire in Dunley Road, Stourport.
On call fire fighters from Stourport were mobilised to attend the incident and on arrival found a private garden with a large quantity of tree cuttings well alight.
The crew used hose reels to bring the fire under control and extinguish the flames. Watch Manager Len Rees advised residents;
"It is important to be mindful of where bonfires are lit because places such as wooded or grassy areas are more susceptible to fires due to the recent dry weather. Fires should never be left unattended and adequate water supplies should be on hand to control the fire.
"A period of dry weather makes it possible for fires to spread underground and reappear elsewhere – so it is vital that residents ensure bonfires are fully extinguished by dousing the area with water afterwards.
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Kitchen Fire at Swan Inn, Whittington
Thursday 05 August, 2010
At 17:10pm on Wednesday 04, August 2010 Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a kitchen fire at the Swan Inn, Whittington, Worcester.
Three appliances from Worcester fire station attended the incident and on arrival found a commercial kitchen measuring approximately 10m x 6m with a fryer on fire.
Fire crews used breathing apparatus, hose reels and extinguishers to bring the fire under control and extinguish the flames; they then began a process of damping down and cutting away to prevent re-ignition. Watch Manager Graham McKechnie said;
"Once staff realized that a fire had started, prompt action in evacuating the building, closing fire doors behind them and alerting the emergency services limited the spread of fire in the property."
For further advice on safety for businesses click here.
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Hereford takes delivery of new Rescue Boat
Tuesday 03 August, 2010
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have major rivers running through both counties and were at the forefront of both local and national flood rescue efforts in the summer of 2007.
Recently Fire Stations in Hereford, Evesham and Worcester took delivery of new and enhanced water rescue craft and towing facilities. At 11:15am on Monday 9th August Hereford Fire Station will be demonstrating their new equipment and rescue skills at the rowing club on the River Wye, Hereford in an exercise to be witnessed by local MP Jesse Norman.
Station Manager Jon Butlin said, "In a typical year across both counties, we are called to between 50-60 water rescues so, we are very much a Fire and Rescue Service. On Monday the crew from Hereford will be demonstrating a range of rescues including;
- Launching the new 4.4 metre boat
- Bank line rescue
- Tethered swim rescue from the bank
- Tethered swim rescue from the boat
- Boat rescue
- 'Man overboard!' demo
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Alvechurch Fire – Worcestershire
Monday 02 August, 2010
On the afternoon of Monday 2nd August 2010 at 12:49pm Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire on open ground close to a building at Alvechurch Brickworks, Station Road, Alvechurch, Worcestershire.
Four fire crews from Bromsgrove (2) and Redditch (2) attended the incident and arrived at the scene to find a large fire in the open affecting tyres, rubbish and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.
At the height of the fire, the blaze covered an area of approximately 140 x 50 metres and fire fighters used breathing apparatus and made use of the nearby Worcester to Birmingham canal for water supplies to bring the fire under control. Fire fighters also had to cool a number of LPG cylinders in the area. The prompt action of the first crews to arrive on scene prevented further escalation of the incident.
As progress was made, crews were able to turn over debris and damp down using hose reels and fog lanterns. The Service worked with the Environment Agency throughout the incident to ensure no adverse effects from water run-offs.
The area was cordoned off and the incident closed at 15:13pm.